Edgar dredge



(No Model.)

E. DRBDGB.

FOLDING 'BOX 0RV CRATE. No. 473,730. Patented Apr, 26, 1892.

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THE norms panas co., maremma., wAsnwuron, u. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT Ormes.

EDGAR DREDGE, OF LONDON, ENGLAND.

FOLDING BOX OR CRATE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 473,730, dated April 26, 1892. Application tiled .Tnly 7, 1891. Serial No. 398,732. (No model.) Patented in England January 30, 1891, No. 1,734.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDGAR DREDGE, residing at Rosebank Park Villas, Albion Road, Stoke Newington, London, in the county of Middlesex, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Packing- Oases, Trunks, Baskets, and Similar Articles, (patented in Great Britain January 30, 1891, No. 1,734,) of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of this invention is to construct packing-cases, baskets, and Asimilar receptacles so that when empty they may be folded up into a small space for convenience of storage or for transit as returned empties.

I will now describe my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 shows an end elevation of my folding case in a partly-folded position. Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the oase. Fig. 3 shows a plan View with both ends lo 7o in a horizontal position, so that the hingesZ Z and catches 'n are visible. Eig. .et shows an end elevation of one of the angular metal frames ct l? c CZ. The dotted lines show the case in perspective. Fig. 5 shows the case folded.

In carrying out my invention I employ at each end of the case or package the metal frame ci b c CZ, of the-size of the exterior of the case. This frame a ZJ c CZ is constructed of angle-iron, except the top bar a, which is a fiat bar. The frame is pivoted at its upper and lower corners e e', the side pieces Z) b co being divided at f and constructed to be folded inward with the sides g of the case, which sides are hinged at or near the center of their width by hinges Zt. To the angular lower bar CZ of the frame a b c CZ I attach by means of screws or otherwise the bottom of the case, and to the angular side bars b h c c I similarly attach the sides of the box g g. These sides, as will be seen in Fig. 2, have the external hinges Zt, as before mentioned, which permit them to fold inward, but not outward. i

With regard to the two ends Za Zo', I may make them loose to slide into grooves formed to receive them between the frame-bars Z) o and the sides g g. I, however, prefer to attach them by means of hinges, so that they cannot become separated from the case. I

therefore hinge the end k to the top bar of the frame by the hinges Z Z, so that it folds upward and outward, and I attach the catches or buttons n to hold it in position or fasten it in any other suitable way. I- hinge. the other end Zt to the bottom i, so that it folds inward and upward. Zhen making thin or long cases or baskets, I strengthen the connection between the sides g g and the bottom t' by means of the automatic stud-andloop fastener p q. This fastener does notinterfere with the folding of the sides, but disengages itself automatically when the case is folded and comes into operation when the case is unfolded for use. It consists of a metal loop q, attached to the bottom t', which loop passes over the stud or pin p on the side g.

The lid of the case s may be loose or may b e pivoted to the frame a b c CZ, or may be hinged to one of the sides g g or otherwise attached. Vhen the case is empty and it is desired to fold it up, the loose ends are first drawn out, or, if the ends are hinged, one end is folded` down inward and the other end is folded upward, and the two sides are then pushed and folded inward over one of the ends, the other end being folded over, so as to lie above the sides and below the lid. The whole may be secured by a strap or rope. The case will fold down dat, so that a number may be piled one on the top of the other in a corner out of the way until required for use, as shown in Fig. 5.

As the depth of the folded case will seldom exceed six inches, it will be evident that a great saving in storage-room will be gained, a matter of considerable importance in warehouses and other places where space is often limited.

It will be evident that my improved folding case is applicable to a great variety of uses, and it may be made in various sizes an shapes and of any suitable material.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A folding case or basket consisting of metal end frames pivoted at their corners, with the opposite side bars divided at their center and the sides held to said end frames and hinged at the center, substantially as described.

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2. A folding Case or basket consisting of I In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my metlil end frames pivoted at their corners, hand in presence et' two Witnesses. Wit the opposite side bars divided at their T 1 center and the sides held to said end frames EDGAR DRBDGE and hinged at the Center, said end frames be- Witnesses: ing formed of angle-iron, except the top bar, GEO. BLACK, which is flat. W. S. BROMHEAD. 

